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Yoga & Jewels of Rajasthan

Yoga is a self-system of enhancing physical, mental and spiritual health. It leads to wellness of the mind, spirit and body, and helps to transfer negative emotions into creativity and learning. Join our Yoga and Jewels of Rajasthan tour, for a three day enriching experience of Rajasthan Yoga Retreat and explore the lovely palaces and formidable forts of Rajasthan. This Rajasthan holiday touroffers spiritual and wellness sessions, yoga and meditation sessions and spa rejuvenation sessions.

Days

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi in the evening, you are received by a Vasco representative and escorted to the hotel. You are welcomed in the hotel in a Traditional Indian style on arrival and check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Known for its survival against all odds, Delhi the capital of India has been the epicenter of Indian politics for centuries. The delightful ambiance of Delhi leaves a hypnotic spell on the visitors with its old world charm and modern lifestyle that coexist in this city of Djinns. Upon arrival you will experience the newly built state of the art Delhi airport and as the journey unfolds, you will be fascinated by the ancient architecture of Mughal Era while traveling through the crowded by lanes of Chandni Chowk where the sights and sounds of the ever growing city and spicy traditional Indian food will caste a magical spell on you. Several luxury hotels adorn the skyline of Delhi and are known for their traditional warmth and hospitality the world over. The mystic charm of Delhi lies in its architectural marvels and rich traditional background.

Hotel

Dusit Devarana

The Manor

Day 2 Delhi

Rickshaw Ride in Chandni Chowk, Delhi

After breakfast in the hotel, we leave for city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi & New Delhi.

Old Delhi came into prominence when Shah Jahan moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. You visit 300 year old Chandni Chowk market. A maze of lanes crowded with shops selling an extraordinary variety of items and food, the noise and crowds are a quintessential part of any Indian market. From here you continue to the Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque. This is India's largest mosque designed by Shah Jahan. In complete contrast to the noise and crowds of Old Delhi, is Raj Ghat a simple and stunning memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the main architect of India's independence. You pass by the Red Fort.

During afternoon, we take our tour of New Delhi and visit Qutab Minar. From there our next stop is Humayun's Tomb, built by mother of Emperor Akbar. It is believed that it was this mausoleum, which inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. Later, we drive past India Gate, Presidential Palace and Parliament House. We return to hotel for overnight stay.

Optional Inspiring Experiences

Kingdom Of Dreams, Gurgaon

Situated in the millennium city of Gurgaon in the outskirts of Delhi, Kingdom of Dreams is a unique entertainment complex whose exterior façade resembles that of a Maharaja Palace of the bygone era. The majestic dome shaped structure painted in gold stands apart amongst the high-rise structures of the city and appears to be an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. Upon entering the building, you will be awestruck to see the exquisite interiors which have been designed keeping in mind the intricate details of the concept. The large auditorium is the centre of activity which brings to you live a fairy tale of a Gypsy Prince in the form of a musical show with amazing special effects and high-tech wizardry, every day. The breathtaking dance performances by a group of dancers with the help of digital media are pure entertainment for children and adults alike. They cannot stop clapping in appreciation watching the show which is a result of tremendous hard work by a team of actors, dancers and technicians. The complex also hosts an indoor food court where you can sample Indian delicacies from various states.

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Day 3 Delhi – Mandawa

320
km

6
hr

After breakfast we drive to Mandawa, often called - the open air art gallery of Rajasthan. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.

In the afternoon we tour Mandawa - a small town, with many Havelis and temples. The Havelis, mansions of the erstwhile rich Marwari traders were profusely frescoed inside and outside and some of these are still in good shape. We stop by to visit some of these havelis with fresco painting and walk in the nearby villages. We return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4 – 6 Mandawa – Ladnun

125
km

3
hr

After breakfast we drive to Ladnun, upon arrival check-in to the Ashram.

In the afternoon you meet your Yoga Guru & take yoga lessons. One of them would be Preksha Meditation.

Preksha Meditation is the combination of knowledge from our ancient religious books, modern science and our experience. Preksha Meditation is the practice of purifying our emotions and our conscious (chitta) and realizing our own self. Preksha Meditation is a technique of meditation for attitudinal change, behavioral modification and integrated development of personality.

The two days will be dedicated entirely to Yoga activities. Overnights will be spent at the Ashram.

Day 7 Ladnun – Bikaner

200
km

4
hr

After breakfast we check out from the ashram and drive to Bikaner. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival.

In the afternoon, we visit Junagarh Fort, built by Raja Rai Singh in the 16th century; the palaces were added to it over the next three centuries. The outer wall, built of light red sandstone is surrounded by a moat, and within are beautifully designed palaces with balconies, kiosks, fine jali or lattice work screens with richly decorated interiors. The Badal Mahal in the fort has walls covered with stories from the life Krishna, whilst the walls of the oldest palace, the Lal Niwas, are elaborately decorated in red and gold.

We return to hotel for overnight stay.

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Day 8 Bikaner – Jaisalmer

330
km

6
hr

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for the medieval town of Jaisalmer. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Jaisalmer, the "Golden City" is located on the westernmost frontier of India in the state of Rajasthan. Close to the Pakistan border, the city is known for its proximity to the Thar Desert. A camel safari in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer is an unforgettable experience. The city is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Qila (Golden Fort). Unlike most forts in India, the Jaisalmer Fort is a living fort. There are shops, hotels and age old havelis (homes) inside the fort area where families have lived for generations.

Hotel

The Serai

Day 9 Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Sam Dunes

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for the city tour of Jaisalmer. Founded by Prince Jaisal in 1156, it was a major staging post on the trade route across the Thar Desert. The first glimpse of the honey coloured walls of the fort, rising out of the hot and barren desert is magical. Untouched by time, Jaisalmer, with its golden crenulated walls, narrow streets lined with exquisite havelis, has a medieval ambience. The fort, often referred to as the 'Golden Fort' because of the color of the stone, encloses palaces decorated with delicate jali or lattice worked screens, carved doors and flora carvings, and elaborately carved 12th to 16th century Jain temples.

The havelis in both the fort and the town are exceptional. Similar in style to the homes of Venetian merchants, the havelis were the mansions of wealthy traders. The houses are decorated with beautifully carved facades, screens and windows. Each haveli has an inner courtyard surrounded by richly decorated apartments. See the Nathmalji-ki-Haveli with its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets in the form of peacocks; Patwon-ki-Haveli, the most elaborate and magnificent haveli and best known for its latticed façade and Salim Singh ki Haveli. Outside the walls of the fortified town is the small oasis of Gadi Sagar, which led Prince Jaisal to found his city. It is well worth visiting to see the large number of shrines around it and the migratory birds, which it attracts.

Later in the day we proceed for excursion of “Sam Dunes”, 45 km away is known for its enormous sand dunes that make a surrealistic landscape patterned by the wind. This excursion also includes the unique experience of Camel Ride. We return to the hotel late evening for overnight stay.

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Day 10 Jaisalmer – Jodhpur

300
km

6
hr

Stunning Blue Houses of Jodhpur

Check out from the hotel after the breakfast and drive to Jodhpur.

We spend the afternoon exploring the city of Jodhpur. The tour starts with visit to the Mehrangarh Fort, an impregnable fortress towering above a 10km wall with soaring archways leading into the center. The fort has a series of spectacular palaces, each decorated with exquisite engravings, lattice and mirror work. Next stop is Jaswant Thada - a cluster of royal cenotaphs in the white marble built in 1899 AD in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh-II. We finish our city tour with a stop at Clock Tower and the nearby Sardar Market – a historical local trading market for Spices.

We return to the hotel for overnight stay.

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Hotel

Raas Haveli

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Day 11 Jodhpur – Udaipur via Ranakpur

280
km

7
hr

Jain Temple, Ranakpur

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Udaipur en route visit Ranakpur Temples, built in the 15th century, situated in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Ranakpur is amongst the five holiest places of the Jain community and exceptional in beauty. Over 1444 marble pillars, each differently carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Not to be missed in this temple is one carving out of a single stone with 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails.

We continue our drive to Udaipur after the visit.

Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. The evening is at leisure. Overnight stay is at the hotel

Hotel

Taj Lake Palace

Devi Garh by lebua

Day 12 Udaipur

After breakfast at the hotel we leave for sightseeing of the city. Udaipur with its lakes and palaces, cradled in the hills of the Aravalli range is a very romantic city. The name itself "The City of sunrise" evokes a sense of romance. We first visit the City Palace - the focal point of the city and has several areas of interest like the Suraj Gokhada, Badi Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Mor Chowk (the peacock courtyard), and the Zenana Mahal.

Next we visit the Jagdish Temple, located close to the Palace with its imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. After the temple we stop by to visit Sahelion ki bari Gardens or the ‘Garden of maids’ ; built under the express guidance of Maharana Sangram Singh II, it is believed that the garden was constructed for 48 maids who accompanied the Maharana's wife as dowry.

In the afternoon, we visit the Crystal Gallery at Fateh Prakash Palace, probably the single largest collection of crystal in the world. It was in 1877 that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal collection from Birmingham based F & C Osler Company, including objects d’art, furniture, washing bowls. The gallery also houses the only Crystal bed in the world. Later we take a boat ride at Lake Pichola, 4-Km long and 3-Km broad is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Visit the island palace, Jag Mandir that is beautifully set in the lake. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Optional Inspiring Experiences

Exclusive Dinner at Devi Garh by lebua, Udaipur

This experience has been planned to splurge you in the luxury and royal hospitality of Devi Garh Palace. Situated amidst Aravali Hills, 28kms away from Udaipur stands Devi Garh Palace a heritage hotel and resort famous for hosting celebrity weddings and theme parties. Built in the 17th century, Devi Garh Palace was the residence of royal Delwara rulers and was restored and converted into a luxury retreat in 1999. The restoration of palace was a massive effort which took 15 years with the help about 800 workers. The majestic white marble entrance and aesthetically designed corridors and lobby give you an insight into the finer details kept in mind while constructing this excellent piece of architecture. An open air dinner in the landscaped gardens of Devi Garh Palace with breath taking views of the city below is a grand experience. You get to savor ethnic Indian cuisine while watching Rajasthani folk dance performances that will caste a magical spell on you.

Learn to Cook with Udaipur's Aristocracy

Our Culinary Sessions are inspirational hands on experience, where you will work with fantastic fresh produce, cooking authentic Mewari food with housewives from former Udaipur Aristocracy, who have zealously guarded their recipes for many generations now. You will be involved in fascinating market trips with your host and also pick ingredients from the local farms or gardens. This experience has to be pre-booked before clients land in India. Best time - October to March. If you want your clients to accompany the host to the market, you need to inform them beforehand and plan the day's sightseeing in Udaipur accordingly. Interactive cooking Demo and Dinner is the best bet. If your clients have any preference for Liquor such as wine etc, please inform your host in advance

Visit Crystal Gallery

At Fateh Prakash Palace is probably the single largest collection of crystal in the world. It was in 1877 that Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered the crystal collection from Birmingham based F & C Osler Company, including objects d’art, furniture, washing bowls. The gallery also houses the only Crystal bed in the world.

Sound and Light Show at City Palace

Every evening, the grounds of the magnificent Manek Chowk inside City Palace, come alive in a blaze of lights, as the sound and light show gets underway. The hour-long show seeks to recreate Mewar’s glorious history in a delightful play of light and sound, as a narrative in English evokes significant episodes in the eventful centuries of the region’s history.

Hi Tea at Jagmandir

Enjoy Hi Tea at the Jagmandir Island Palace. This 17th century Island Palace is one of the oldest and most grandiose palace that is legendary as place of refuge to Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan). Visit Jagriti – an exhibition about the historical and architectural development of Jagmandir Island Palace. The exhibition is located within the Gol Mahal at Jagmandir Island Palace and uses archival photographs and paintings to show the evolution of Jagmandir Island Palace as an incomparable pleasure-palace.

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Day 13 Udaipur – Jaipur

420
km

7
hr

Overview of Jaipur

After breakfast we drive to Jaipur. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. The evening is at leisure to explore the colourful markets of the pink city. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Northern India. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city is named. The city today has a population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India. The city is unusual among pre-modern Indian cities in the regularity of its streets, and the division of the city into six sectors by broad streets 34 m (111 ft) wide.

Optional Inspiring Experiences

Dinner with an Indian Family, Jaipur

This experience gives you an opportunity to dine and taste the hospitality of an Indian family in their private home. Your hosts will go an extra mile to teach you how to cook traditional Mewari food and will charm you with stories of the royal splendor of Pink City over lunch or dinner. The interactive cooking sessions are usually elementary and carefully planned keeping in mind the comfort level of the guests. After tasting a delicious home cooked Indian meal, you cannot stop praising about the experience to your family and friends back home. Your hosts will take you along to the local markets to source the ingredients and you will cherish every moment of plucking fresh vegetables from their kitchen garden.

Hotel

Taj Rambagh Palace

Samode Haveli

Day 14 Jaipur

Elephant Ride at Amber Fort, Jaipur

After breakfast we leave for an excursion to Amber Fort. Major attraction at Amber is the Elephant Ride (subject to availability) all the way up to the Fort entrance. This journey on caparisoned elephants is bound to enrich your memories with the Royal lifestyle of the Maharajas and leave you with a truly unforgettable experience. The rugged, time-ravaged walls of the Fort may not look beautiful from the outside, but the interior is a virtual paradise. En route to your hotel from Amber Fort, you will have a brief photography stop at Hawa Mahal - the Palace of Winds.

In the afternoon, we tour the city of Jaipur. We first visit the Maharaja's City Palace, the former Royal residence part of it converted into a museum. A small portion is still used by the Royal family of Jaipur. One of the major attractions in the museum is the portion known as Armoury Museum housing an impressive array of weaponry-pistols, blunderbusses, flintlocks, swords, rifles and daggers.

Later, visit the Jantar Mantar, which is the largest stone and marble crafted observatory in the world built by Jai Singh from 1728 to 1734. We finish our city tour with a walk through the busy lanes of the city. We return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Optional Inspiring Experiences

Photo session at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jaipur

A photo session at the tourist place of Hawa Mahal in Jaipur gives you an opportunity to be clicked in front of a 150 year old pinhole camera outside the Hawa Mahal where you can experience photography at its best. The veteran photographer Tikam Chand is extremely proud of this priceless possession which once belonged to his great grandfather. This experience has to be pre-booked in advance before arrival in Jaipur India and can be included during our regular pink city tour.

Morning with the Elephant

Rise early to watch the elephants getting ready for their day's work at Amer Fort. It is a fascinating opportunity to watch, understand and appreciate the relationship between the Mahouts and the regal giants. The Amer Fort Elephant Ride experience has to be pre-booked before you land in India. The best time for Elephant Safari in Jaipur ranges from October to March. It's an early morning experience and a must do in the city. Clients must reach the stable at 05:30-06:00 hrs. Packed breakfast is recommended. From here, they can go for the Amer Fort Ride, do the elephant ride, watch the fort and return to the hotel.

Walking Tour of Old Jaipur

It is a unique way to explore the living traditions of the city early morning. Experience the religious life of local communities by visiting colourful temples, interacting with residents over a cup of tea in their homes and discover some of the architectural wonders of this fascinating city. This walk has been carefully designed to offer a rewarding and enriching experience. Uncovering some of the best kept secrets of the walled city of Jaipur, we take pride in sharing our warm association with the resident artisans, shop owners, temple priests and local citizens. This association makes our walking tours more engaging; our guests have a genuinely interactive experience getting to meet the residents and as a result gain an insight into traditional ways of life. 'Chand Pol' gate, one of the original seven gateways, located at the western end of the old walled city of Jaipur is the point at which this two and a half hour walk begins. This experience has to be pre-booked before clients land in India. Best time - October to March.

Private Yoga Session by a Local Yoga Guru

His family has taught Yoga to the likes of former American President Bill Clinton, and Hollywood stars such as Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise etc. This is an early morning experience done with an empty stomach. Clients can do Yoga, have breakfast and continue with the rest of what they have paid for. Price is Inclusive of English Speaking Yoga Guru only. Yoga Mats will be provided. This experience has to be pre-booked before clients land in India. Best time - October to March. Duration - 2 hrs

Elephant Safari at Dera Amer with Lunch/Dinner

The Elephant Safari Tour to Dera Amer is a highly recommended experience with family and friends as you get to unwind yourself in the lap of Aravalli Hills leaving behind the worries of city life. This Adventure Safari in Jaipur is situated behind the famous Amer Fort at the foothills of Aravallis and offers numerous outdoor recreational and adventure activities. Surrounded by a reserved forest, the camp is an ideal spot for lovers of solitude with no urban population around except for a few hamlets in the vicinity housing the local villagers. The camp is run by a Rajput family living in the campus and they organise elephant and camel safaris in the jungle. The family is credited with protecting several hundred hectares of indigenous Aravalli forest land and encourages guests to interact with the local farmers in the village.

Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir

Visit Jaipur and after having seeing all Jaipur attractions, finish the city tour with a Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir Cinema, designed in 1976 in Art Deco style. Today, this cinema has become a popular part of Jaipur sightseeing and is known for its large size as well as opulent interiors.

Jeep Safari with lunch/dinner

This Wildlife and adventure experience has been designed to thrill you with a jeep safari to the picturesque forested valley behind the hills of Amer Fort. Starting from Amer, the safari takes you past village hutments, a medieval temple and a Tiger Rescue Centre situated in the middle of the jungle. Aboard this Rajasthan Jeep Safari Tour will be an opportunity to experience a thrilling wildlife safari. You get to explore the beauty of Aravalli Hills on the way and enjoy breathtaking views of Jaipur from above. Interaction with local farmers on their fields is part of the experience. Authentic Rajasthani cuisine served during lunch and dinner is another USP of this safari which will always be a memorable experience.

Day 15 Jaipur – Agra via Fatehpur Sikri

250
km

5
hr

Fatehpur Sikri

After breakfast drive to Agra en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, located 40 Km from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor. The emperor used Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and the city was fully occupied for 14 years but slowly became deserted and ruined after Akbar left the city. Scarcity of water was the prime factor for the abandonment of this beautiful city. Visit the remarkably well-preserved, graceful buildings within the 'Ghost City' including the Jama Masjid, tomb of Salim Chisti, Panch Mahal Palace and other palaces that speak of the grandeur and splendour of the Mughal empire at the height of its power.

Continue drive towards Agra. Check-in at the hotel upon arrival. Overnight stay is at the hotel.

Day 16 Agra – Delhi

205
km

5
hr

Taj Mahal, Agra

At sunrise, we take our Tonga (Horse Carriage) to the visit the world famous Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday) built by Shah jahan in 1630 for his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this 'Love Poem in Marble'.

We return to our hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast we tour Agra fort, built by Emperor Akbar between 1565 & 1573, which reveals the Mughal talent for combining defensive architecture with beauty and design. This fort palace was begun by Akbar as a purely defensive citadel and was subsequently completed by two successive generations that added the delicate mosaic and magnificent marble palaces. The fort is the history of Mughal life in Agra and offers a magical view of the Taj Mahal.

Late afternoon we drive to Delhi. Upon arrival check-in to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 17 Delhi – Journey Home

Today your journey with Vasco comes to an end. Early morning you will be assisted by a Vasco representative and escorted to the international airport to board your flight back home.

Dear Visitor,

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